Gingivitis

The great news about gingivitis is that with good home oral hygiene techniques and frequency, it is reversible. This is a mild form of gum disease. It is an inflammatory condition that affects the supporting soft tissue and bone around our teeth. It occurs as a result of our body’s immune response against toxins that are produced by the bacteria that live on our teeth and gums. Common signs and symptoms are:

• Visible redness and swelling
• Sensitivity and tenderness
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  
  

Without good homecare practices however, gingivitis can progress and become periodontitis. Periodontitis is the inflammatory breakdown of supporting bone and connective tissue. Periodontitis is not reversible.